ASPIRING musicians looking to develop their skills and knowledge in different styles of music are being encouraged to attend a free taster session.

On Sunday, December 19, Bandskool is staging an event to promote a new band musicianship course which is hoped will appeal to players from around the North West.

The course is aimed at players who are interested in developing their experience in popular styles such as jazz, blues, rock and more funk, big band, sectional playing and improvisation.

The event, presented by the course tutors, will feature performances and workshops. Players are invited to bring their instruments to join in.

Bandskool director and course leader, Andrew Turnbull, said: "The course is for players who have a bit of experience on their instrument; certainly past the 'beginner' stage but perhaps lacking experience in big bands, or playing in particular styles and/or improvisation.

"It is all of these things. Anyone aged 12 and over is eligible to join us. We will take each application and give it due consideration before deciding whether or not to offer a place."

"Everything we look at on the course will be done using a band format that includes a rhythm section of drums, guitar, bass and keyboards alongside horns – which is the collective term for brass and woodwind instruments.

"The deciding factor is how many horns are involved as that influences the arrangements and the approach taken. We aim to be flexible in that regard."

Prospective students will also get the chance to talk with tutors at the end.

The course also aims to stage end of term concerts to show off the students' progress. These will be filmed and recorded and made available to students.

There is a limit to the number of applicants which can be accepted on the course at this stage.

For more information, email info@bandskool.com or attend the event this Sunday (December 19).

Doors open at the Wilmslow Grove Sports & Social Club at 10.30am for an 11am start.